How diabetic alert dogs help sufferers of type 1 diabetes.
The old adage states that dog is man’s best friend. This is something dog owners experience in their daily lives – unwavering loyalty and true friendship. However, in some cases it goes even further than that. In this issue Animaltalk looks at the amazing work done by diabetic medical alert dogs.
Diabetic medical alert dogs
Diabetic alert dogs (DADs) are trained to alert diabetic handlers, in advance, of low or high blood sugar events, before a dangerous situation can occur. By using their incredible sense of smell, these dogs can sniff out any changes in their owner’s glucose level up to 30 minutes before a blood glucose monitor, giving the owner time to alter his artificial insulin level or sugar intake before symptoms occur.
Rapid changes in blood sugar levels are expressed in a person’s breath and skin. Diabetic alert dogs are trained to associate this change in scent with a reward, and be persistent about receiving it! They have prevented thousands of glycaemic episodes and changed the lives of children and adults across the world.
Psychological benefits
Companion Animal Psychology UK has studied the psychological benefits of owning a DAD and found that owners experienced significantly fewer hypoglycaemic episodes, reduced paramedic call outs, improved independence and even described having a DAD as “an enhanced quality of life.” The psychological advantages of having a service dog are second to none.
This story is from the September 2016 edition of Animaltalk Magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the September 2016 edition of Animaltalk Magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Battle Of The Bell
Is the bell on your cat’s collar a good idea, or not?
Kriya Gangiah To The Rescue
How Louis got saved from the shelter
17 Tips For A Healthy Fish Tank
When it comes to a fish tank, it is important to understand that you are creating a little aquatic ecosystem and, in this system, every living organism must live in harmony. The experts have a saying: “better preparation for better results” – so always do your research about your type of fish and the type of tank they need.
Fear Not, Little One
24 tips to prepare your dog to handle loud noises
Lessons From The Dodo
Human influence can accelerate natural phenomena in harmful ways
Emigration 101
What you need to know before you leave
Love Me More
7 things your dog wants you to know
Burmese Cats
A strong, healthy breed according to the facts and research
So Cool At School
Wendy, the Belgian Shepherd (Malinois), is the first resident narcotics detection dog to be introduced at a South African high school
A Hard Lesson To Learn
DJ Jazzy D tells us about his five English Bulldogs and what he’s learnt
